Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Body for Your Classic Build

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Body for Your Classic Build jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep CJ5 holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and classic vehicle collectors alike. Known for its rugged simplicity, go-anywhere capability, and iconic design, the CJ5 represents a bygone era of pure, unadulterated adventure. However, time, rust, and trail abuse take their toll, and often, the most significant component to suffer is the body tub. For many restorers, customizers, or those looking to revive a forgotten classic, the quest for a "Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist" becomes a critical mission.

This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of acquiring a CJ5 tub through Craigslist, from understanding its importance to navigating the marketplace, inspecting potential purchases, and successfully bringing your new-found treasure home. Whether you’re planning a full frame-off restoration, patching up a trail rig, or embarking on a custom build, finding the right tub is paramount, and Craigslist remains one of the most vibrant, albeit challenging, arenas for this pursuit.

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Body for Your Classic Build

Why the Jeep CJ5 Tub is So Crucial (and Why Craigslist is Your Go-To)

The body tub of a Jeep CJ5 is more than just a shell; it’s the core of the vehicle’s identity and structural integrity. Over decades of use, original steel tubs are highly susceptible to rust, particularly in areas like the floorboards, hat channels, rocker panels, and rear corners. Accidents, modifications, and general wear and tear can also render an original tub beyond economical repair.

This is where the search for a replacement tub begins. While new reproduction steel or fiberglass tubs are available, their cost can be prohibitive for many budgets. Craigslist, the popular online classifieds platform, becomes an invaluable resource for several reasons:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Used tubs, even those requiring some work, are often significantly cheaper than new reproductions.
• Availability of Original Parts: For purists, finding an original factory tub, even if it needs significant restoration, is preferable to a reproduction.
• Local Sourcing: Craigslist facilitates local transactions, reducing shipping costs and allowing for in-person inspections.
• Variety: You might find tubs in various states of disrepair or restoration, offering options for different project scopes and budgets.

Finding a good CJ5 tub on Craigslist is often the difference between a stalled project and a successful revival of an American icon.

Navigating Craigslist: Your Search Strategy

Successfully finding a Jeep CJ5 tub on Craigslist requires a strategic approach. It’s not just about typing "CJ5 tub" and hitting search.

1. Define Your Search Radius: Start locally, as shipping a tub is expensive and often impractical for private sellers. Expand your radius gradually (e.g., 50 miles, 100 miles, statewide) if local options are scarce.
2. Use Varied Search Terms: Don’t limit yourself to just "CJ5 tub." Try combinations like:
   • "Jeep CJ5 body"
   • "CJ5 frame and tub"

   

   • "Willys Jeep body" (some older CJ5s are listed this way)
   • "Jeep project body"
   • "CJ body parts"
3. Check Multiple Categories: While "Auto Parts" is the most obvious, sometimes tubs appear under "Heavy Equipment," "Farm & Garden," or even "Free Stuff" (for severely rusted ones).
4. Set Up Search Alerts: Many Craigslist apps or third-party tools allow you to set up email alerts for new listings matching your keywords. This is crucial for competitive items like CJ5 tubs, as good deals go fast.
5. Be Patient and Persistent: Finding the right tub can take time. Check daily, sometimes multiple times a day, as new listings appear constantly.

What to Look For: A Critical Inspection Checklist

Once you find a promising listing, don’t rush into a purchase. A thorough in-person inspection is absolutely vital. Bring a flashlight, a small magnet, and ideally, a knowledgeable friend.

1. Rust, Rust, Rust: This is the primary enemy of vintage Jeeps. Pay close attention to:
   • Floorboards: Especially under the seats and footwells.
   • Hat Channels: The structural supports running under the floor. These are notorious rust traps.
   • Rocker Panels: The long panels below the doors.
   • Rear Corners/Wheel Wells: Where mud and water collect.
   • Cowl and Firewall: Look for cracks, rust around the windshield frame mounts, and battery tray area.
   • Tailgate Opening: Rust around the hinges and latches.
2. Structural Integrity:
   • Straightness: Look down the sides and across the tub from different angles to check for twists, bends, or accident damage.
   • Mounting Points: Ensure all body mounts are solid and not rusted out.
3. Previous Repairs/Modifications:
   • Bondo/Body Filler: Use a small magnet to check for thick layers of bondo over rust holes or dents. If the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s likely filler.
   • Patch Panels: Inspect any welded patches for quality. Poorly done patches can hide underlying issues and will likely need redoing.
   • Modifications: Check for unnecessary holes cut for aftermarket accessories, especially in the dash or firewall.
4. Completeness and Inclusions:
   • Does it come with a windshield frame, doors, tailgate, or dash components? These can significantly add to the value and save you sourcing time.
   • Are the original VIN tags present? While the tub itself doesn’t typically carry the primary VIN (that’s usually on the frame), the firewall or dash may have ancillary tags.
5. Drain Holes: Check that drain holes in the floor are clear, as blocked ones accelerate rust.

Don’t be afraid to ask the seller specific questions and request more photos of problem areas before making the drive to inspect.

Types of CJ5 Tubs: Original Steel, Reproduction, and Fiberglass

Understanding the different types of tubs available will help you make an informed decision based on your project goals and budget.

• Original Steel Tubs (Used):
  • Pros: Authentic, original factory look and feel, often the most cost-effective initial purchase.
  • Cons: Almost guaranteed to have rust, dents, or previous repairs. Restoration can be labor-intensive and require specialized welding skills. Condition varies wildly.
• Reproduction Steel Tubs (New):
  • Pros: Brand new, no rust, accurate dimensions, strong.
  • Cons: Most expensive option, not typically found on Craigslist (unless someone bought one and decided not to use it), long lead times from manufacturers.
• Fiberglass Tubs (New/Used):
  • Pros: Absolutely rust-proof, lighter weight (can improve performance), often cheaper than new steel reproductions.
  • Cons: Not original for purists, can crack under severe stress, different repair techniques required (no welding), may require some fitting, can feel less "solid" to some. Used fiberglass tubs on Craigslist might have existing cracks or poor previous repairs.

For most Craigslist searches, you’ll be looking at original steel tubs, possibly some used fiberglass ones.

Pricing and Negotiation Strategies

The price of a Jeep CJ5 tub on Craigslist can vary dramatically based on condition, completeness, material, and location.

Factors Influencing Price:

• Condition: A rust-free, straight tub will command a premium. A tub needing extensive patch work will be much cheaper.
• Completeness: Tubs that include doors, a tailgate, or a windshield frame are more valuable.
• Material: Original steel tubs in excellent shape are rare and pricey. Fiberglass tubs might be mid-range. Heavily rusted original tubs are the cheapest.
• Location: Tubs in rust-prone regions might be cheaper due to abundance, but also more likely to be severely rusted. Drier climates might have higher prices but better condition.
• Seller’s Motivation: A seller looking to clear out space quickly might be more negotiable.

Negotiation Tips:

1. Do Your Homework: Research comparable tubs sold recently in your area to gauge fair market value.
2. Be Prepared to Pay Cash: Cash in hand often gives you leverage.
3. Point Out Flaws (Respectfully): If you find rust, dents, or poor repairs, use them as polite points of negotiation. "I noticed the floorboards will need significant work; would you consider X price?"
4. Be Realistic: Don’t expect a perfect tub for a rock-bottom price.
5. Don’t Lowball Excessively: This can alienate sellers. Offer a fair price that reflects the condition.

Logistics of Purchase and Transport

Once you’ve found the perfect tub and negotiated a price, the practicalities of completing the sale and getting it home come into play.

1. Payment: Cash is king on Craigslist. For larger sums, consider a cashier’s check, but always verify its legitimacy with the bank before releasing the tub.
2. Bill of Sale: Always get a written Bill of Sale, even for a body tub. While tubs don’t typically have VINs that transfer ownership, a Bill of Sale proves you legally acquired it and can be useful for your records or if questions arise later about parts. Include:
   • Date of sale
   • Seller’s and Buyer’s names and contact info
   • Description of the item (e.g., "197X Jeep CJ5 Body Tub, green")
   • Agreed-upon price
   • Signatures of both parties.
3. Transport:
   • Trailer: A small utility trailer or flatbed trailer is ideal. Ensure it has proper tie-down points.
   • Securing the Tub: Use strong ratchet straps to secure the tub firmly to the trailer. Pad contact points to prevent damage. Ensure weight is distributed evenly.
   • Assistance: Tubs are surprisingly heavy and awkward. Bring at least one strong helper for loading and unloading. You might need an engine hoist or multiple people.
   • Safety: Drive carefully and slower than usual, especially with an unsecured or awkwardly loaded item.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Even with careful planning, challenges can arise when buying a CJ5 tub on Craigslist.

• Hidden Rust/Damage:
  • Solution: Spend ample time inspecting. Bring a pick tool to poke at suspicious areas (with seller’s permission). Ask for photos of underbody areas you can’t easily see.
• Mismatched Tub (Not a CJ5):
  • Solution: Familiarize yourself with CJ5 specific features. Measure key dimensions (wheelbase, width at certain points) if you’re unsure. A CJ7 tub is longer, for example.
• Fraudulent Listings/Scams:
  • Solution: Never wire money or use gift cards. Insist on in-person inspection and transaction in a public place if possible. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
• Transport Difficulties:
  • Solution: Overestimate the weight and awkwardness. Plan your route, have the right equipment (trailer, straps), and enlist help beforehand. Renting a small U-Haul trailer is often a good, affordable option.
• Seller Unwilling to Help Load:
  • Solution: Confirm loading assistance before you drive out. If they can’t help, make sure you bring enough people and equipment yourself.

Price Table: Estimated Jeep CJ5 Tub Costs on Craigslist

Please note that these are approximate ranges and can fluctuate significantly based on region, market demand, and specific details of the tub (e.g., presence of doors, tailgate, windshield frame, dash components).

Condition Category	Material Type	Typical Price Range (USD)	Notes
Poor	Original Steel	$100 – $400	Heavily rusted, significant rot in floors, hat channels, rockers. May be twisted or have major accident damage. Suitable only for parts or very extensive restoration by a skilled welder. Often listed as "project" or "scrap."
Fair	Original Steel	$400 – $1,000	Moderate rust, likely needs new floorboards, hat channels, and rocker panels. May have minor dents. A good candidate for a dedicated restorer with welding experience.
Good	Original Steel	$1,000 – $2,500	Minimal rust (surface rust only or small isolated patches). Relatively straight with minor dents. All mounting points intact. A solid foundation requiring less extensive bodywork. Often includes some original components like dash.
Excellent	Original Steel	$2,500 – $5,000+	Rare find. Near rust-free, perfectly straight, minimal to no dents. Might be a "barn find" from a dry climate. Could be a tub that has already undergone professional restoration. Often comes with doors, tailgate, and windshield frame.
Used	Fiberglass (Repro)	$800 – $2,000	Previously installed fiberglass tub. Check carefully for cracks, previous repairs, and mounting integrity. Price depends on condition and completeness.
New/Unused	Reproduction Steel/Fiberglass	$3,000 – $6,000+	Occasionally listed if someone bought it new for a project but changed plans. These will be at or near retail price, but you might save on shipping or sales tax if buying locally. Rare to find on Craigslist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I just buy a tub and build a Jeep around it?
A1: Yes, many enthusiasts do this. You’ll need a frame, axles, drivetrain, suspension, steering, and all other components. Be aware that the primary VIN is usually on the frame, so ensure you have a clear title for the frame you use.

Q2: Are fiberglass tubs as good as steel?
A2: It depends on your priorities. Fiberglass tubs are rust-proof and lighter, which can be an advantage for off-roading. However, they can crack under stress, feel less rigid, and are not considered "original" for purists. Steel tubs are stronger and more authentic but susceptible to rust.

Q3: What’s the average cost of a CJ5 tub on Craigslist?
A3: For an original steel tub in "Fair" to "Good" condition (needing some rust repair but structurally sound), expect to pay between $800 and $2,000. Prices vary widely based on condition and location.

Q4: How do I transport a Jeep CJ5 tub?
A4: The best way is on a utility trailer or flatbed. Ensure it’s securely strapped down. Bring at least one strong helper, as tubs are heavy and awkward. Some sellers might assist with loading, but don’t count on it.

Q5: Do tubs have VINs?
A5: The main VIN for a Jeep CJ5 is stamped on the frame. While some tubs might have a small tag on the firewall or dash, it’s typically a body number or accessory tag, not the primary vehicle identification number for registration purposes. You’ll need a titled frame for your build.

Q6: What tools do I need for inspection?
A6: A flashlight (for dark corners and underneath), a small magnet (to check for bondo), and possibly a small screwdriver or pick tool (to gently probe rusty areas, with seller’s permission).

Q7: Should I buy a tub with rust and repair it, or wait for a rust-free one?
A7: Unless you’re willing to pay a premium for a rare, rust-free example, you’ll likely encounter some rust. Decide based on your welding and bodywork skills, budget, and timeline. Many find a moderately rusted tub to be a rewarding project.

Conclusion

The hunt for a "Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist" is a rite of passage for many classic Jeep enthusiasts. It’s a journey that combines patience, meticulous inspection, and savvy negotiation. While challenges exist, the reward of finding that perfect foundation for your dream CJ5 build is immeasurable. By understanding what to look for, how to navigate the marketplace, and the logistical steps involved, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Embrace the process, enjoy the search, and soon, you’ll be one step closer to bringing another iconic CJ5 back to life, ready for new adventures on the open road or rugged trail.